Data Interpretation Questions

GRE data interpretation: 5 crucial tips

We've covered arithmetic, algebra, and geometry in our GRE Quant breakdown, so now let's move on to what many test-takers think is the toughest part of the math section: data interpretation.

What’s data interpretation?

Data interpretation refers to any question involving visual information, such as graphs, charts, plots and tables. These questions—of which you will see about 6-8 in total on the GRE—will test your knowledge of percentages, ratios and basic statistical measures such as mean, median and mode.

The two main things you'll be asked to do in questions related to data interpretation are translating and extrapolating.

Tip 1: Watch out for label switches

One of the GRE's favorite data interpretation tricks is to change the labels on you. For example, you could be presented with a graph in which the axes are labelled ”Number of Hours” on the X axis and “Number of Yards” on the Y axis, but then receive a question that asks for an answer in days or miles. The units for the figures are very important, as is the range represented by the axes. The GRE loves to swap units mid-question, so watch carefully for this sneaky trick.

Some students will make the mistake of skipping graphs and going to the question directly, but this is ill-advised. You may think you're saving time, but you'll only have to go back and check and recheck the graphs or charts, which often leads to spending more time on the questions! My advice is to thoroughly read and understand every chart/graph/table that you come across – focus especially on the labels and see what each graph is about.

Tip 2: Keep an eye on those axes

The GRE loves to use multiple axes: figures, graphs, charts or pie charts all have more than one axis. Make sure you’re keeping track of which one is which. The data interpretation questions will surely contain many of what I like to call "the 'right' wrong answer." The 'right' wrong answer is the choice that corresponds with the most common mistake, and it will always be available. Forget to change minutes into hours? The resulting number will be one of your answers, so pay careful attention.

Tip 3: Note any trends

When reading the charts, graphs or figures, make a habit of identifying any relationships between variables that you notice. What are the trends? Are there any correlations and, if so, are they direct or indirect? Are there any outliers? Maximum or minimum values? Noting these relationships as you go will often benefit you when you approach a specific question.

Tip 4: Estimate!

The GRE loves to use unpleasant numbers. For example, it may ask you to find the expenditure for March as a percentage of the total yearly expenditure. It could give you the yearly expenditure as $111,000 and the March expenditure as $31,000. For questions like these you do not need to waste time using the calculator – just round them off to 110,000 and 30,000 respectively, eliminate those zeros, and quickly find the percentage based on the fraction (3/11). In this example, your answer would be the one right under 30%.

Whenever approximating, just make sure that you stay consistent so that your estimation is realistic.

Tip 5: Don’t move too fast

Don’t rush through data interpretation questions; in fact, you should allow more time for them than the other math questions. Making sure you know what the numbers involved in your calculations mean is the number one thing you need to do in this section!